Cannabis stocks rallied sharply on Monday following a video shared by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account that praised the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for senior healthcare.
The post, highlighting the body’s endocannabinoid system and the medical potential of hemp-derived CBD, has fueled widespread speculation about possible federal marijuana rescheduling and renewed optimism within the cannabis industry.
Trump’s Post Triggers Market Rally
U.S.-listed shares of major cannabis producers soared in premarket trading, with Canopy Growth and Tilray Brands jumping nearly 20%, Cronos Group up 9.5%, and Aurora Cannabis gaining 13.7%, according to Reuters.
The AdvisorShares Pure U.S. Cannabis ETF also surged 25.2%, positioning itself for a record-breaking quarterly gain of approximately 70% — signaling a strong investor response to the potential policy shift.
Pro-CBD Message Targets Senior Healthcare
The video, produced by The Commonwealth Project, a Massachusetts-based medical marijuana advocacy group funded by billionaire Howard Kessler, called CBD “the most important senior health initiative of the century.”
It cited data suggesting that 20% of American seniors already use CBD for various health conditions, arguing that integrating cannabis into the U.S. healthcare system could save an estimated $64 billion in medical costs.
The video directly appealed to Trump, stating:
“You will deliver the most important senior health initiative of the century, cementing your legacy and transforming aging care. Millions everywhere will thank you.”
Unclear Signals on Marijuana Rescheduling
While the video sparked renewed excitement around federal cannabis reform, it remains uncertain whether Trump intends to move forward with marijuana rescheduling.
In August 2025, Trump had hinted at a potential decision to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance, which would mark a significant shift in federal drug policy — but no official action has followed.
Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, categorized alongside substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Industry Leaders React
Cannabis industry leaders see Trump’s post as a pivotal moment that could accelerate long-awaited reforms.
“President Trump’s amplification of a video praising the medical benefits of cannabis for seniors, particularly the potential inclusion of CBD in Medicare coverage, is a significant signal of how far this conversation has progressed,” said Anthony Coniglio, CEO of NewLake Capital Partners.
“For too long, the federal government has maintained impediments to these plant-based therapies.”
Adam Stettner, CEO of FundCanna, added that Trump’s message could indicate that policy changes are already in motion:
“President Trump doesn’t ‘trial balloon’ ideas lightly. If he’s posting this now, it’s likely a preview of a decision already made or soon to come.”
However, Stettner emphasized that a single post isn’t enough:
“We need a full federal framework that upholds public safety, protects compliant businesses, and ends the structural penalties legal operators still face every day.”
Background: Cannabis Rescheduling Efforts
Former President Joe Biden previously directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review marijuana’s classification in 2023. The agency concluded that cannabis has a “currently accepted medical use” in the U.S., supporting a move to Schedule III, which would recognize its medical value and reduce federal restrictions.
The subsequent Justice Department proposal to implement this change remains in limbo, leaving the industry waiting for clarity on the future of federal cannabis regulation.